Adrenal Failure

What is adrenal failure?

The body has two adrenal glands, one sitting on the top of each kidney. They make hormones that are used throughout the body. Adrenal failure happens when there are not enough adrenal hormones in the body. If these hormones are not being made, or the hormones that are made cannot be used by the body, severe, possibly life-threatening adrenal failure can happen. Adrenal failure may also be called “adrenal insufficiency.”

Adrenal failure or insufficiency can be caused by:

• Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
• Radiation therapy to the adrenal or pituitary glands.

Adrenal insufficiency and failure often do not cause symptoms until your adrenal gland is really damaged or if your hormone levels are really low. 

Symptoms of adrenal failure may be:

• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry).
• Weight loss.

How is adrenal failure treated?

Blood tests are done to look for changes in hormone levels. Lab tests may also show low sodium and bicarbonate levels, and high potassium and BUN levels.

If you have adrenal failure, you may be prescribed medications to replace the hormones your adrenal glands are not making. It is important to take these medications as prescribed.

When should I call my care team?

Adrenal insufficiency or failure does not have symptoms until it is far along. If you are having any of the symptoms above, call your care provider.